16th
open source for business
We are running a programme on open source for business at the insite exhibition http://www.insitex.co.za/
The Following Companies are there,
- Novell
- Sun Microsystems
- i-Kno
- Exponant
- Custom Cut (Kolab)
- Obsidian
- RedHat
- SITA
- Translate.org.za
- One Laptop per Child
- The Freedom Toaster
- Jumping Bean
- TurboCash
- Linux Holdings
As it is the week of Software freedom day we will dedicate wednesday to that. below is the blurb we sent out.
Media Release
15 September 2008
DST supports open source software for business Open Source for Business will celebrate Sotfware Freedom Day alongside the International Science, Innovation and Technology exhibition (INSITE) taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre from 15 to 17 September 2008.Open Source for Business will introduce visitors to free and open source software(FOSS). Experts in collaboration, knowledge management, infrastructure and security will give visitors insight into how FOSS can support their business, and top training companies will provide information on training and skills development. The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Mosibudi Mangena, says that open source projects are a good example of the need to work together to innovate, and of how much can be gained from building networks across sectors, disciplines and national borders.He refers to the “need to share knowledge, standards and best practice” and “to build local and global partnerships based on scientific excellence”.FOSS affords us the opportunity to develop locally-relevant and globally competitive technology solutions for the price sensitive SMME sector, lowering the barriers of entry into the mainstream economy, expanding the market offerings of small businesses, and increasing their productivity.
South African government departments are in the process of migrating to FOSS. Dr PhilMjwara, Director-General of the Department of Science and Technology, has pointed out that government is promoting FOSS not only because it wants high quality software and the latest technology, but because FOSS is an excellent platform for scientific computing, giving scientists access to the tools they require to perform their work no matter what their area for specialisation is – from biochemistry to astronomy. “INSITE 2008, a Department of Science and Technology initiative, is the perfect platform to host Open Source for Business, as the objectives of the two are perfectly aligned,”says Karl Fischer, Open Source Project Manager at the DST.
The overarching theme for the exhibition is the role played by science, technology and innovation in driving economic growth and development.
For more information, please contact Karl Fischer at 012 843 6618 or karl.fischer@xxxx, or Jo Melville, Managing Director of Exhibitions for Africa,
at 011 835 1565 or jom@xxxx.
About Software Freedom Day
Software Freedom Day is a worldwide celebration that aims to educate the public about the benefits of using high quality Free and Open Source Software in education,government, at home and in business.
